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Ordinary Notes,Used
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A finalist for the National Book Award in NonfictionWinner of the 2023 Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for NonfictionNamed a Best Book of 2023 by The New York Times, NPR, New York Magazine, Kirkus, the New Yorker, Publisher's Weekly, and Barnes and Noble.Critically acclaimed author of In the Wake, 'Christina Sharpe is a brilliant thinker who attends unflinchingly to the brutality of our current arrangements . . . and yet always finds a way to beauty and possibility' (Saidiya Hartman).A singular achievement, Ordinary Notes explores profound questions about loss and the shapes of Black life that emerge in the wake. In a series of 248 notes that gather meaning as we read them, Christina Sharpe skillfully weaves artifacts from the pastpublic ones alongside others that are poignantly personalwith present realities and possible futures, intricately constructing an immersive portrait of everyday Black existence. The themes and tones that echo through these pagessometimes about language, beauty, memory; sometimes about history, art, photography, and literaturealways attend, with exquisite care, to the ordinaryextraordinary dimensions of Black life.At the heart of Ordinary Notes is the indelible presence of the author's mother, Ida Wright Sharpe. 'I learned to see in my mother's house,' writes Sharpe. 'I learned how not to see in my mother's house . . . My mother gifted me a love of beauty, a love of words.' Using these gifts and other ways of seeing, Sharpe steadily summons a chorus of voices and experiences to the page. She practices an aesthetic of 'beauty as a method,' collects entries from a community of thinkers toward a 'Dictionary of Untranslatable Blackness,' and rigorously examines sites of memory and memorial. And in the process, she forges a brilliant new literary form, as multivalent as the ways of Black being it traces.4color art throughout
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the binding type of Ordinary Notes? A: The binding type is hardcover. This durable format enhances the book's longevity and aesthetic appeal.
- Q: How many pages does Ordinary Notes have? A: Ordinary Notes has three hundred ninety-two pages. This length allows for a comprehensive exploration of themes.
- Q: What are the dimensions of Ordinary Notes? A: The dimensions are six point seven inches in length, one point fifteen inches in width, and nine point zero six inches in height. These measurements make it a standard-sized hardcover book.
- Q: What themes does Ordinary Notes explore? A: The book explores themes of loss, Black life, language, beauty, and memory. It provides an intricate portrait of everyday Black existence.
- Q: Who is the author of Ordinary Notes? A: The author is Christina Sharpe. She is acclaimed for her insightful commentary on critical social issues.
- Q: What is the target audience for Ordinary Notes? A: Ordinary Notes is suitable for adult readers interested in nonfiction and literary criticism. Its profound themes resonate with a mature audience.
- Q: Is Ordinary Notes suitable for young adults? A: Yes, it can be suitable for young adults, particularly those interested in social issues and literary exploration. However, discretion is advised based on individual maturity.
- Q: How can I read Ordinary Notes effectively? A: To read effectively, take time to reflect on each of the two hundred forty-eight notes. Engaging with the text thoughtfully enhances understanding.
- Q: What should I consider when storing Ordinary Notes? A: Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve the hardcover and the quality of the pages.
- Q: How do I care for the hardcover of Ordinary Notes? A: To care for the hardcover, avoid bending or curling the cover. Keep it on a bookshelf upright to maintain its shape.
- Q: Can I return Ordinary Notes if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can typically return Ordinary Notes within a specified period, depending on the retailer's return policy. Always check the specific terms before purchasing.
- Q: What if Ordinary Notes arrives damaged? A: If it arrives damaged, contact the retailer for a return or exchange. Most retailers provide options for such situations.
- Q: Are there illustrations in Ordinary Notes? A: Yes, the book features four-color art throughout. These illustrations enhance the reading experience and complement the text.
- Q: How does Ordinary Notes compare to other nonfiction works? A: Ordinary Notes stands out for its unique narrative style and exploration of Black life, contrasting with more traditional nonfiction formats.
- Q: What makes Ordinary Notes a significant read? A: Its critical acclaim and the author's profound insights into Black existence make it a significant read in contemporary literature.
- Q: Is Ordinary Notes available in other formats? A: As of now, Ordinary Notes is primarily available in hardcover. Check with retailers for any additional formats that may be released.